Ape History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

In ancient Anglo Saxon England, the Ape family lived in the area that was referred to as Impey in the county of Essex. This place-name was originally derived from the Old English word "imphaga" which denoted "an enclosure that housed young trees." In this case the original bearers most likely lived near an area where there were young trees or saplings. 1

Early Origins of the Ape family

The surname Ape was first found in Sussex where John atte Imphage was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. The same ancient English rolls also listed John de Impey in Suffolk. 1

"This name is or has been numerous in Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and Essex, in which last county stands Impey Hall." 2

Early History of the Ape family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ape research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ape History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ape Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Ape has been recorded under many different variations, including Impey, Impy, Impie and others.

Early Notables of the Ape family

More information is included under the topic Early Ape Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ape family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Ape or a variant listed above: Thomas Impey, who settled in the state of Maryland in 1740 with his wife, Alice.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.